16 Rock and Roll

Chapter Overview

Various social and economic conditions fostered a sense of independence and rebellion among the youth of the 1950s. Rock and roll, which developed from a combination of rhythm and blues and country-western styles, appealed to young listeners, both black and white. Urban folk songs protested against discrimination, authoritarianism, and eventually the war in Vietnam. Despite the popularity of Motown music, some black performers rebelled at the success of white musicians’ cover recordings of black hits and sought to redeem the ideals of rhythm and blues.

Visuals

What is your view of cover recordings of rhythm-and-blues hits (such as “Tutti Frutti”) by white singers (such as Pat Boone)? Why were the covers successful? How did their success impact black performers? How did the quality, and the style, of the white performance compare with the R&B recording? Do you see moral implications of this practice? Business implications?

How does the popular music market today compare with the youthful market of the 1950s? Do young people have the same impact—or more, or less? How do those who were teenagers in the fifties affect the popular music market today?

Where do you think Bob Dylan has found his most congenial medium, and where do you think his legacy lies: folk music, rock, poetry, other?

In what ways do you think Motown served black musicians? In what ways might Motown have damaged them?